Fred Olsen Renewables has been granted planning consent for the Windy Standard 3 wind farm in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.
The 20-turbine project is an extension to Windy Standard 1 and Windy Standard 2.
These three projects combined will deliver enough electricity to power the equivalent of 131,285 homes annually and deliver over £15m in a community benefit fund, said the developer.
Fred Olsen Renewables has been involved with the wind farm, located North East of Carsphairn and 10km south of New Cumnock, since 1996.
It currently consists of 66 turbines and, combined with the newly consented extension, will be capable of producing more than 150MW of electricity.
With construction anticipated to commence in 2024, Windy Standard III will be fully operational by 2026.
Fred Olsen Renewables UK development director Finley Becks-Phelps said: “Windy Standard Wind Farm was the first consented project in Scotland.
“We are really proud of where we have managed to get to today.
“It is only through close collaboration with local consultants, Natural Power, throughout the past two and half decades, the community, the planning authority and the Scottish Government, that we have ensured that the site continually delivers against our country’s net zero targets.
“We are delighted that the Scottish Government has granted consent for this application.
“We look forward to working closely with local residents to make sure that the social and economic benefits of the project are realised, and maximised, locally.”
The application was prepared and submitted on behalf of Fred Olsen Renewables by the Dumfries head-quartered renewable energy consultancy and service provider Natural Power.
Natural Power principle project manager Emily Galloway said: “It has been a real achievement for the Natural Power team to contribute to the successful outcome of a national scale project that will provide a significant contribution to the net zero targets and generate low cost, low carbon electricity so close to where we work and live.
“A lot of effort was put into designing a project that sought to optimise energy output and at the same time minimising environmental effects.
“It has been a lengthy process, with extensive consultation with key consultees throughout to achieve the right balance.
“We are delighted to these efforts being rewarded.”
The decision can be accessed at http://www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk/CaseDetails.aspx?id=118638
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